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Chandalas, lower-caste Hindus, India
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Chandalas, lower-caste Hindus, India
Chandalas, lower-caste Hindus in India, deemed to be untouchable because they dispose of dead bodies. Date: 1843
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Media ID 23210918
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1840s 1843 Bodies Body Carry Caste Dead Disposal Division Hindu Hindus Lower Pole System Turban Dispose Untouchable
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This evocative image, captured in India during the 1840s, depicts a group of Chandalas, or lower-caste Hindus, carrying a deceased body on a pole through the streets. The Chandalas were considered untouchable within Hindu society due to their occupation in disposing of the dead. They were shunned and excluded from mainstream Hindu communities, and were forced to live in segregated areas. The Victorian era, with its emphasis on purity and social order, only served to further marginalize the Chandalas. They were denied access to education, employment opportunities, and even basic human rights. This image, taken in 1843, offers a glimpse into the harsh realities of the Indian caste system during that time. The men in the photograph are dressed in simple loincloths and turbans, their faces etched with the signs of hard labor and the weight of societal oppression. They carry the deceased body with a sense of solemn duty, their expressions revealing a deep sense of resignation and acceptance of their role in society. Despite the challenges they faced, the Chandalas continued to perform their essential role in Indian society, ensuring that the dead were given proper respect and disposal. This image serves as a poignant reminder of the complex social divisions that existed in India during the 19th century, and the resilience and strength of those who were marginalized and excluded from mainstream society.
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